How Underpinning helps to make a Building More Stable

1. How Underpinning helps to make a Building More Stable Created By : vicmetrounderpinning.com.au

2. When a building has been in service for several years, the probability of its foundation being unstable and weak increases with time. If movement surpasses the limit of the footing design, additional stress on the footing can cause them to crack, bend and/or rotate. Such stresses will then transfer to the wall or concrete slab above, leading to masonry cracks. In extreme cases, it may compromise the structural integrity of a building.

3. Destabilization Of A Building - Common Causes 01. While concrete cracks with hairline plasterwork are considered cosmetic shrinkage issues that demand less attention, problems like stepped or long zigzag masonry with concrete cracks can pose a serious threat to the stability of a building. These cracks demand immediate investigation before the problem gets any worse. The underlying causes of such an issue may include the following: The mix used for casting the wall was not compatible with the surface on which it was poured. The concrete was poured without proper vibrators or vibrator pads. Too much water was added during mixing. There were water seepage problems after casting had been completed.

4. Poor Construction Methods 02. The problems with construction practices are not limited to improperly trained workers. Inadequate concrete curing, lack of formwork support, insufficient concrete compaction, and adding water to concrete in the field can cause crack development in plastic and hardened concrete. These mistakes reduce concrete strength, which makes concrete prone to cracks at lower tensile stress than the design calculations

5. Additions and Alterations in the Building 03. When considering an extension to the existing building, it is crucial that the proposed extension design take into consideration the new project's impact on the existing building foundation. When adding a new level to a building, it may be necessary to upgrade the builder's foundations to take the extra load.

6. If you've ever wondered why your building is sinking or tilting, then you must read this! Your building's foundation system can be affected by many different things, including natural and man-made changes. Whether your home was originally built on concrete piles or screw piles foundation system, it's unlikely to be affected by environmental changes. However, a single slab can be affected if the following are taking place nearby: Removing nearby trees Change in level of water-table Change in soil moisture content Excavations taking place nearby Nearby water-bore or dewatering activity 04. Changes In The Environment

7. 05. Underpinning For Foundation Repair Or Stability If you notice cracks in your ceiling or floors, it's probably time to get a building inspection. If the foundation is sinking, it may be because of soil problems. Even if there are no visible signs of trouble, you can still ask for an inspection. This method is effective in increasing the depth of the building’s foundation and is great for reinforcing faulty foundations. It can also help when new additions or alterations are made to any existing building or when the foundation happens to be damaged in any way. Cracks on the ceiling floors are the first signs of problems with the foundation that should not be ignored at all.

8. Some more problems that may demand underpinning: 06. The building's original foundation is not stable because the wooden piles underneath the foundation have started decaying. The building's usage has changed over time. There has been change in the properties of the foundation supporting soil. Soil excavation is taking place in nearby construction sites.

9. Contact Us • Phone No. 03 9102 1452 • Email ID: info@vicmetrounderpinning.com.au • Website: https://www.vicmetrounderpinning.com.au/

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